Not a hiking or biking fan? For our list of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in Illinois, see our post here. We've got all the big city glitz and glamour, plus candle-lit restaurants, cozy hotels, and one-of-a-kind date night activities. A fun schedule of events at the museum includes film series like the Richard Pryor Film Festival and activities like Yoga Under the Stars. Head into the Rustic and Reclaimed Market for home and decor finds or the Great Lakes Antiques & Boutique, which also features the work of local artists. There are a range of trails available to suit all levels of hiker, from casual beginners right through to experienced hiking enthusiasts. Davie School Inn is the perfect getaway for wine lovers as its right along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Any visiting duo is practically required to take a picture with "The Bean" (officially titled Cloud Gate), the iconic reflective sculpture in downtown's Millennium Park. Lincoln Park Zoo is located inside the beautiful Lincoln Park and is a great addition to a day at the park. There are also many boardwalks and similar paths that are great for a more relaxed bike. Are you planning a trip and looking for the best things to do in Illinois to truly make your trip the best ever? Three of the rooms in this once-school are set up as romantic luxury suites, and you can treat yourself to extras like wine, roses or candle lighting in your room. No matter where in the state you are planning to go, what type of group youre traveling with, and what your budget is, we have something for you so you can enjoy the beautiful state of Illinois to its full potential. Just outside Peoria, the 1,800-acre Wildlife Prairie Park is home to more than 150 animals spanning 50 species native to the state. The period rooms are well appointed, and the property encourages guests to live out their "Bridgerton" fantasies over afternoon tea or time spent in the garden. 25 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. There are many beaches and lakes in Illinois where kayaking is available as an activity, and many of these offer guides or lessons, making it accessible to all experience levels. Featuring indie artists, Pitchfork Music Festival is a great way to support up-and-coming music talent and discover new artists. 30 Things Seoul is Famous For, Driving in Sweden in Winter: All You Need To Know, Globetrotters in heart and soul. The property hosts weekly events such as a barbecue and wine pairing dinner in the summer. If youre looking for a gorgeous, historical getaway, look no further than The Vrooman Mansion. From late November through December, you can bundle up and browse the outdoor stalls in the city's Public Square selling handicrafts and gift items, as well as gingerbread and hot mulled wine. Living History: African American Historical Exhibits and Events These range from the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, which has many species of animals and features interactive experiences with the supervision of a zookeeper to Brookfield Zoo, a zoo at over 216 acres with over 400 different species of animals. While you're browsing for something special, peek into bakery-meets-wine bar Bread & Vine or fuel up with a cup of joe from Galena Roasters. For more information on the Field Museum, click here. (Getty Images). History, The Inn at 835, just a mile from the museum, was founded in the late 19th century by local businesswoman Bell Miller, a florist for Springfield's high society. Chicago Architecture Cruise. One of the more interesting gardens is the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which as the name suggests, have been designed in a traditional Japanese style. Planning a trip around seeing the state parks of Illinois is not uncommon, and so staying in the areas closest to these state parks is quite popular. The village of Antioch, where the resort is located, also offers enough diversions to pass a few days. If youre planning a family vacation to Illinois, you may be looking for fun, kid-friendly activities to enjoy together. You could spend the 14 weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day exploring Ill Fresh Picks Daytrip options abound as well: Head about 25 miles east to Apple River Canyon State Park for a gorgeous hike and picnic. With the use of zip lines, aerial bridges, rappelling, and more, canopy tours explore the forest in a new way. Within the many state parks, there are a great many large and impressive canyons. The giant silver bean is embedded in the public consciousness. The parks all have a range of activities available for visitors to enjoy. Luckily, many buildings and sites have been preserved from this history and are now available to be observed and learned from in the modern day. From the Queen Anne mansion to the carriage house, all of the rooms on this property come with breakfast, access to a social hour with free beverages, cheese, and fruit. Some of the golf courses found in Illinois also have a long history, such as Chicago Golf Course, ranked as the top golf course in Illinois, and first built in the 1890s. The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a unique museum covering the beginnings and development of the machinery company, Caterpillar. Past Sybaris guests approve of the serene and private atmosphere, with some saying it brought their romantic getaway to another level. Illinois is ideal for family vacations with everything from theme parks and water parks to educational yet fun museums and tours. Catch a seasonal floral show including a Spring Show, Orchid Show, Chrysanthemum Show, and Poinsettia Show. Garfield Park, often known for its sporting facilities, is also well-renowned for having one of the largest conservatories in the world. Illinois has a wide range of water parks, including both indoor and outdoor options as well as parks that are better for young children and others that are suitable for all ages. With the wide range available, there will be a museum to suit everyones interests. It is top of the list for many who enjoy Illinois state parks. Deidre Peverill/Flickr 2. Rich Harvest Farms is a more modern, but very unique course in that it has been designed purely to suit the whims of the billionaire owner, meaning it doesnt always fit regulation standards. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Recent visitors rave about the inn's polite, friendly service and elegant ambiance. Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The lush interior, vibrant artwork and 1950's inspired Copacabana Club show whisks lovers from chilly Chicago to the heat of Latin America. It is actually a part of ancient history, putting it in a separate category from most other historic sites listed. This is necessary as some zip lines can reach up to 40mph and can be very high off the ground. The architecture cruise winds along the Chicago river and teaches visitors about the buildings and figures who shaped Chicagos history. Another more picturesque bridge is the Camelback Bridge in Normal, while another feat of engineering is the Clark Bridge in Alton. There are many castles located throughout Illinois built in a range of styles from different periods of history. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. Tags: Travel, Illinois Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations, Couples Vacations. Here we have some of the best water parks in Illinois. Top Attractions in Illinois 2022 1. Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. To see our guide to the best kayaking spots, check our post here. Other top sights here to check out are the Air Combat Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana Thomas House, and the Camp Butler National Cemetery. This luxury escape sits on Millionaires Row in Alton, where you can choose from Jacuzzi or fireplace rooms, HDTV with premium movie packages, and both a 24 hour hot beverage service and a 24 hour hot chocolate bar. There is even a specific romance package that includes a bouquet of fresh flowers, premium chocolates, and collectible mugs to commemorate your experience. While fall foliage can be beautiful anyway, something about the cool, windy weather and ambient atmosphere of Illinois makes it ideal for really appreciating the stunning colors. Outdoor enthusiasts will embrace this scenic driving route for its proximity to hiking, mountain biking and fishing hot spots like Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton or Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. The center also offers visitors the chance to operate machinery simulators and learn about how real engineers work at the company. Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. The Cahokia Mounds is a really unique and interesting historical site. 2. Check prices and availability: For more detail on Springfield, see our post here. From the history of Lincoln to ancient Cahokia mounds, the history in Illinois is wide and varied and able to be interesting for anyone. To see our list of the top things to do in Grafton, see our post here. Public art installations and gardens are strewn throughout, making exploring the park an exciting and enjoyable adventure. The Underground Railroad passed through here, and visitors can explore Alton's abolitionist and Civil War history with nine self-guided stops through town following the Lincoln Legacy Trail. To see more unique historic sites across Illinois, you can see our full list here. The Art Institute of Chicago is well-known as one of the best art museums in the world, with over 300,000 works in its collection. Look beyond the large chains to find boutique hotels, mom-and-pop shops and locally owned restaurants for a truly romantic getaway to small-town America. Visitors to the museum appreciate that it's compact, modern and free. Shuttle transportation is available to all of the local wineries, so exploring the area is easy and seamless. When you're both ready to tuck in, the Beall Mansion B&B will serve you well, with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, included continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi. The town is situated in the heart of Starved Rock Country and serves as a hub for four major state parks. For golf enthusiasts, or those simply looking for a different activity to try, exploring some of these golf courses is a great way to see the state at the same time. A number of elements are key to this style, such as water through waterfalls or ponds, stones either rock paths or sculptures, and of course plants. Millennium Park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known as The Bean. The Market Street Bed & Breakfast has a few beautiful buildings to customize your getaway. A spa treatment is also ideal for feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for approaching life together. Chicago is one of the most romantic cities in the American Midwest. If youve already decided to visit Illinois, it might now be time to narrow down which areas of the state to visit. Book your trip. Many of the state parks feature amazing waterfalls, such as Cascade Falls in Matthiessen State Park and St Louis Canyon in Starved Rock State Park. Situated on Lake Michigan, Chicago is ideally located for enjoying the beautiful surrounding nature as well as the highlights of city life. Another great activity to try while in Illinois is shopping. Its also home to many local artists and artisanal businesses. These include Lincolns house, the presidential library, and more. Chocolate lovers are in luck more than 20 varieties are available to nibble at all times of day for Beall Mansion guests at the complimentary chocolate buffet. Both options require a combination of patience and advance reservations, but they're well worth it, according to patrons. Spanning the Mississippi River into St. Louis, the bridges most interesting feature is the 22-degree bend it makes towards the middle of the bridge. Of course, no romantic getaway is complete without wine, and Inn at 835 offers wine each night. For fun in the water and entertaining the kids, the many water parks of Illinois are ideal for a fun summers day out. For a getaway within a getaway, head to Galena's year-round Chestnut Mountain Resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter or zip lining and river cruising in the summer. Eat & Drink, For some more hints on hiking in Illinois, see our previous post here. Airbnb in Clifton, Cape Town: 11 great places to stay in 2023, What are the best Airbnbs in Tokyo? Splurge at three Michelin-starred Alinea, routinely included on lists of the world's best restaurants, or try to snag a spot at one of the Lou Malnati's Pizzeria locations, beloved for its Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Most canopy tours last 2 3 hours and require a safety orientation before participation. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. There are a number of biking trails available in Illinois, with the Tunnel Hill State Trail as one of the most popular. Many of the wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail include on-site lodging so you don't have to wander far from your new favorite red. Attractions: Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, Becky Thatcher Home, Mark Twain Cave, Mississippi Riverboat, Molly Brown Birthplace, antique stores, craft stores, and much more! There are many wineries in the area, and going on a winery tour while enjoying the beautiful scenery is a great way to support local businesses while also experiencing the area. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Explore Illinois Architectural Oddities 27 Statues 25 Museums And Collections 25 Shops 25 History 23 Art 23 Sculptures 21 Monuments 20 Collections 20 Abandoned 17 Cemeteries 14 Illinois Obscura. 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